Cancer & Weight Loss-how to know when its too much?

[bmasonboxer]

My Frank has been my heart and soul for 9 years, and was diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago. Due to his age and progression, we've decided not to do chemo, and just try to let him live his last days on earth as happy as possible.
But, bad news from the vet this weekend: My normally 75 lb. dog has now been reduced to just 46 lbs, and at this rate, the vet says his weight loss will be the determining factor as to when we have to let him go rather than other complications from cancer.
He's on a permanent Prednisone dosage each day, and as long as he's on the steroid, he has a healthy appetite. It just doesn't make a difference how much or what he eats-he simply isn't getting the nutrients he needs. For now, he's also somewhat active and coherent, so I'm not ready to make that decision yet. But how do I determine what weight is just too small? I can't bear the thought of my poor baby starving to death. How will I know when it's gone too far?

 

[ELubas]

I am so so sorry to hear about your baby :( I have not dealt with this particular scenario, but have seen my beloved dog fail. I guess I always look at the quality of thier lives. If he is still eating, still able to go outside to pee and poo, still a little wiggly when he sees you, then he still has joy. For me ,when they stop enjoying food, you, the sun-then it is time. I think you will know. Look in his eyes and they will tell the story. I believe. For my beautiful Fraze, he kept going until he no life left, so had his heart not given out we would have kept going awhile longer. A friend of mine recently lost her Newfie and while Kayla would still take a cookie right up to the end she could not stand up, was peeing on herself, trembling (pain)etc. and her eyes just got dull. I don't know how else to explain it. I just truly believe one moment you will look into his beautiful eyes and know. I wish you peace in your decision. God bless Frank

 

[Amiee]

So sorry to hear about your Frank. I lost my Bella almost 6 months ago to lymphoma.

What kind of diet does he have? Have you tried foods with a higher fat and calorie content? With Bella, I knew it was time when she refused to eat. Chicken was one of her favorites and toward the end, she turned her head when it was offered to her. Absolutely heart breaking. It's one of the hardest decisions you have to make as a pet guardian, but I think if you pay attention, he will let you know when it's time.

Good luck and dog bless.. <3

 

[Tanbarr]

we're in same boat...

I'm so sorry to hear about Frank and Bella as well. I have a Bella too. She's also just over 9 years old and was recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and now lymphoma. After a very tearful and sleepless night we decided not to do chemo given her age, complications..etc. Most heart wrenching decision ever. This has been the most devastating news and we're currently struggling with rapid weight loss as well. We've gone from her normal kibble to wet food and now wet food with some plain boiled chicken. Hoping she keeps eating and stays with us as long as she's happy.

Thinking of you all in this situation and who have recently been there.

Just hugging our girl tight as much as we can!

 

[miapie]

I hope this helps

I cant express this more...Change the diet!!! Home cooked meals is the way to go..My Dog was diagnosed with a heart tumor last month and after a lot of research I learned diet is KEY. I always thought people foods weren't good for dogs so wrong. My Boxer LOVES turkey she lost weight and this is what I did buy a frozen turkey from supermarket thaw it out and cook you will have turkey for your pup for a week. Some do raw diet, I don't feel right about that. However, I do feed her raw organ meat: liver, heart etc
I feed her twice a day and then treats...
Turkey, hard boiled egg some veggies, carrots, green beans , peas broccoli etc and potatoes.
Try it gradually and you will see an improvement.

Kibble foods are not healthy especially a dog with health issues.

Hope this helps..

I'm so sorry to hear about Frank and Bella as well. I have a Bella too. She's also just over 9 years old and was recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and now lymphoma. After a very tearful and sleepless night we decided not to do chemo given her age, complications..etc. Most heart wrenching decision ever. This has been the most devastating news and we're currently struggling with rapid weight loss as well. We've gone from her normal kibble to wet food and now wet food with some plain boiled chicken. Hoping she keeps eating and stays with us as long as she's happy.

Thinking of you all in this situation and who have recently been there.

Just hugging our girl tight as much as we can!